This is the country that consumes the most fish in Latin America: it surpasses Chile and Venezuela

Millions of people consume this food every day in their homes, since fish is a fundamental food for a healthy diet, as it provides a wide variety of essential nutrients for the body. It is due to its importance that the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has published a list of the countries that consume the most fish in Latin America, with Peru being the first on the list.

According to studies carried out by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Peru is the country in Latin America that eats the most fish per person, with 22 kg per capita. The amount of consumption of this food in the country is so important that the second place, Chile, only has 13.2 kg per person.

The country with the highest consumption of fish in Latin America

In a list of the seven countries with the highest consumption of fish, Peru leads the first place, with 22 kg per person. At the other end of the spectrum is the Latin American giant, Brazil, with last place, given that it consumes only 10.6 kg per person. Below, we present what would be the official order of the seven countries that eat the most fish, focused on Latin America:

1. Peru: 22kg
2. Chili: 13.2kg
3. Panama: 13.1kg
4. Venezuela:12.6kg
5. Costa Rica: 11kg
6. Mexico:10.7kg
7. Brazil:10.6kg

Factors that contribute to the high consumption of fish in Peru

Wide sea coast

Peru has a coastline of more than 3,000 kilometers, the longest in South America, which gives it access to a wide variety of fresh, high-quality marine resources. This marine wealth has been exploited since pre-Columbian times, which turned fishing into a fundamental activity for the country’s food and economy.

Millennial fishing tradition

Fishing has been an integral part of Peruvian culture for thousands of years. Pre-Hispanic civilizations, such as the Chimús and Incas, developed sophisticated fishing and aquaculture techniques, in which they domesticated species such as anchovy and trout. This cultural heritage has been transmitted from generation to generation, which consolidated Peru as a country with a deep connection with the sea and its resources.

Species diversity

Peruvian waters are home to great marine biodiversity, with more than 2,000 species of fish, crustaceans and mollusks. Among the most consumed species are anchovy, horse mackerel, mackerel, hake, bonito and tuna. This variety allows the Peruvian population to enjoy a wide range of flavors and nutrients from the sea.

The country with the highest consumption of fish in the world

Maldives

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the country that eats the most fish worldwide is Maldives, with a per capita consumption of 87.30 kg per person. This country is an archipelago located in the Indian Ocean. It has great marine diversity, since its waters and coral reefs are home to everything from puffer fish to sharks and barracudas, as well as a large number of species of fish and mollusks.

Iceland

In second place, according to the FAO, is Iceland. This country has a per capita consumption of 84.39 kg per person, because fish is a fundamental part of their diet. This island nation It is located in the North Atlantic Ocean, between Norway and Greenland..

Portugal

In third place, Portugal is positioned, located on the Iberian Peninsula and known for its beautiful beaches, rich history and vibrant culture. Yesf there is something that truly defines Portuguese gastronomy, it is its passion for fish.

With an annual average of 57 kg per inhabitant, far exceeding the European average of 21 kg. This deep connection with the sea is reflected in the diversity of typical dishes, culinary techniques and the importance of fishing in the economy and national identity.